Thread lubricant for Sync cord to bulkhead

[Larry C]

Having already destroyed one $250 bulkhead/ttl converter and one $150 dual sync cord due to salt intrusion and galling, I've been experimenting with different ways of preventing this. I tried silicon in both liquid and grease forms. I tried teflon tape. Both were dismal failures and did more harm than good.
I tank my gear after every dive weekend, and on liveaboards and at resorts, I use the tank between dives. I used to just leave my cord on the camera, but after destroying it and the bulkhead, I started disassembling during normal maintenance. It still corroded and galled the threads very quickly.
Lately, I went to my garage and tried the Loctite 133A anti-seize that I've used for years on spark plugs threaded into aluminum cylinder heads. So far it's working beautifully, but I've been warned by a buddy and read on the internet that because it is a copper/graphite/moly combo it can cause galvanic response on the aluminum. After some Google time, I've discovered that sailors use a lanolin based product called Lanacote on their stainless to aluminum mast step screws. Has anyone tried this stuff? Any other solutions?

 

[Ryan]

We use this for our repairs:
TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

Lanacote works too, but doesn't last as long.

 

[Larry C]

Thanks Ryan, I'll look for it locally. After looking in the boat places (West Marine, etc.) most of them carry Starbrite, which is formulated pretty much like the Loctite I'm using. Loctite makes a marine, non-metal product that I've seen online but never seen locally.
I assume that being a powder paste, the Tef-Gel doesn't leave the gooey thread clogging residue that the teflon tape did when hit with salt water.

 

[gert7to3]

Another marine sealant you might consider is bedding compound. This won't set up like silicone. Silicones sometimes don't do a very good job.

Try Fastenal or Grainger.

Here's Fastenal's web page for thread sealers:

Products | Fastenal

 

[Larry C]

Thanks Gert. So far, I've continued using the Loctite 133A anti-seize compound and watching for any deterioration of threads or sign of electrolysis. Up to now, the threads, I've had easy removal with fingers only. No binding or sign of electrolysis or the telltale white powdery residue has occurred. I haven't had the usual salt deposits either, so it seams to act as a decent sealant.